DOCSLIB.ORG

Islam in the Age of the Ecological Apocalypse a Content Analysis of the Islamic Eco-Theological Discourse Marita L

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Islam in the Age of the Ecological Apocalypse a Content Analysis of the Islamic Eco-Theological Discourse Marita L Islam in the Age of the Ecological Apocalypse A content Analysis of the Islamic Eco-Theological Discourse Marita L. Furehaug Master’s Thesis submitted in Religion and Society Supervisor: Associate Professor Safet Bektovic Faculty of Theology University of Oslo Autumn 2020 © Marita L. Furehaug 2020 Islam in the age of the ecological apocalypse – A content analysis of the Islamic eco-theological discourse Word count: 38 804 http://www.duo.uio.no/ Print: Reprosentralen, Universitetet i Oslo ii Abstract In this thesis, a content analysis of the Islamic eco-theological discourse is conducted, while critically engaging with three selected topics generated from this field, namely, (1) central concepts, ideas and principles and how these contribute to the human-ecological relationship, (2) Islamic eschatology in relation to environmental challenges (3) consumption and religious symbols in marketing. The thesis seeks to answer the research question: “When examining selected topics within the Islamic eco-theological discourse, how can we understand Islam’s message in light of the contemporary environmental challenges?” The central Islamic concepts, ideas and principles presented and analysed in a discussion on their profound impact on the human-ecological relationship is tawhid (God’s oneness), ayat (signs), khalifah (steward), amana (trust/covenant), mizan (balance), adl (justice) and rahmah (mercy). Further, Islamic eschatology in connection to eco-theology is explored by drawing on discourses on the Anthropocene and by examining how eschatology informs Muslim environmentalisms. Finally, I explore how consumption is treated in the eco-theological discourse. While drawing on studies from the field of consumption that stress the social component when dealing with consumer behaviour, the thesis aims to illustrate that the eco-theological discourse lacks this social component. In addition, case-studies dealing with examples of contemporary Muslim consumer practices will be presented to point to some contradictory expressions of ‘Islamic’. Furthermore, by conceptualizing Islamic as hermeneutical engagement, the thesis seeks to emphasize the human component in the ways Islamic meaning is produced. iii Acknowledgements First and foremost, I must express my great appreciation and gratitude to my supervisor, Safet. Thank you so much for your patience, encouragement, enthusiasm and guidance. Thank you for believing in this project, from beginning until end, also at times when I myself didn’t. I am deeply grateful for the understanding and compassion you have shown me throughout this project. This has been of immense value. I also wish to express a great appreciation to my parents, my sister and my friends for always supporting me, believing in my abilities to complete this project and always cheering me on. I feel truly blessed to have you all in my life. Finally, my dear husband Tarek and our beautiful daughter Farida. Tarek, I cannot express in words the gratitude I feel towards you. Thank you for keeping me sane, for holding down the fort at home and for your unfailing support, understanding, love and encouragement. I could not have done this without you. To Farida, thank you for always reminding me what is important and for making me laugh and smile every day. This thesis is dedicated to you. Any errors, omissions or shortcoming in this thesis, are mine alone. Marita Lindberg Furehaug Oslo, Fall 2020 iv Content 1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Thematic presentation and research question .........................................................................2 1.2 Previous research: The Field of eco-Islam ...............................................................................3 1.3 The structure of the thesis .......................................................................................................7 1.4 The understanding of being Islamic ........................................................................................8 2 Theoretical frameworks ................................................................................................ 10 2.1. The book of the Universe ..................................................................................................... 10 2.2 Nature as the “proximate other” in the process of “othering” ............................................... 12 2.3 Examples of Islamic eco-theologies ........................................................................................ 14 2.4 Habitus in Islamic context ..................................................................................................... 17 2.5 Conceptualizing Islamic Eschatology .................................................................................... 20 2.6 The Holocene vs. the Anthropocene....................................................................................... 23 3 Methodology ..................................................................................................................... 26 3.1 Content analysis .................................................................................................................... 26 3.2 Chosen units for analysis ....................................................................................................... 27 3.2.1 Central Islamic principles and the human-ecological relationship .................................................... 27 3.2.2 Islamic Eschatology ................................................................................................................................. 28 3.2.3 Consumption and religious symbols in marketing ............................................................................... 28 4 Contextualizing the Quran’s environmental conditions ................................................. 30 4.1 Quranic portrayals of the natural world ......................................................................... 30 4.2 The Quranic Fauna and Flora ............................................................................................... 31 4.3 The ‘apocalyptic’ Quran ....................................................................................................... 33 4.4 Anthropocentric vs. biocentric readings of the Quran ........................................................... 35 5 Central Islamic concepts and the human-ecological relationship ....................................... 38 5.1 Tawhid .................................................................................................................................. 38 5.1.1 Tawhid conceptualized by al-Faruqi ...................................................................................................... 38 5.1.2 Tawhid conceptualized in environmental thought ................................................................................ 41 5.2 Ayat in Creation .................................................................................................................... 44 5.3 Khalifah – Humanity as Stewards of Earth ........................................................................... 47 5.4 Amana – Humanity’s covenant with God .............................................................................. 50 5.5 Mizan – Humanity as disrupters of balance .......................................................................... 51 4.6 Adl – Formulations of Justice in Islamic Eco-theology .......................................................... 54 5.7 Rahmah – A Reflexive Relationship based on Mercy ............................................................ 56 v 5.8 Reflecting on the implications for the human-ecological relationship .................................... 57 6 Islamic Environmental Eschatology .................................................................................. 59 6.1 The Islamic Eschatological World View ................................................................................ 59 6.2 Paradise and hell as apocalyptic motifs ................................................................................. 61 6.2 Eschatology in connection to environmental discourses ......................................................... 64 6.3 Secular Discourses of the Anthropocene ................................................................................ 66 6.4 Islamic eschatology in the eco-theological discourse .............................................................. 68 6.4 The Anthropocene in Islamic eco-theology ............................................................................ 71 6.5 Expressions of Eschatology in Muslim Environmentalism..................................................... 75 7 Consumption and Islam in Marketing ............................................................................... 80 7.1 The rational autonomous consumer and social practice theory ............................................. 80 7.2 Islamic ideals regarding consumption – Between askesis and moderation ............................. 82 7.3 Consumption in the Islamic eco-theological discourse ........................................................... 85 7.4 The Muslim market: religious branding and symbolism ....................................................... 89 7.5 Inclusion and representation: ‘Mipster’, Generation M and Pop-Islam ................................ 92 7.6 Concluding remarks on contradictive Islamic expressions ...................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • An Analysis of Taqwa in the Holy Quran: Surah Al- Baqarah
    IJASOS- International E-Journal of Advances in Social Sciences, Vol. III, Issue 8, August 2017 AN ANALYSIS OF TAQWA IN THE HOLY QURAN: SURAH AL- BAQARAH Harison Mohd. Sidek1*, Sulaiman Ismail2, Noor Saazai Mat Said3, Fariza Puteh Behak4, Hazleena Baharun5, Sulhah Ramli6, Mohd Aizuddin Abd Aziz7, Noor Azizi Ismail8, Suraini Mat Ali9 1Associate Professor Dr., Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, MALAYSIA, [email protected] 2Mr., Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, MALAYSIA, [email protected] 3Dr., Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, MALAYSIA, [email protected] 4 Dr., Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, MALAYSIA, [email protected] 5 Dr., Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, MALAYSIA, [email protected] 6 Ms., Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, MALAYSIA, [email protected] 7 Mr., Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, MALAYSIA, [email protected] 8Associate Professor Dr., Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, MALAYSIA, [email protected] 9Dr., Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, MALAYSIA, [email protected] *Corresponding author Abstract Within the context of the Islamic religion, having Taqwa or the traits of righteousness is imperative because Taqwa reflects the level of a Muslim’s faith. Hence, the purpose of the present study was to identify the traits of Takwa in surah Al-Baqara in the Holy Quran. The data for this study were obtained from verses in surah Al-Baqara. Purposive sampling was used to select the verses that contain the traits of Taqwa using an established tafseer (Quranic interpretation) in the Qurainic field as a guideline in marking the Taqwa traits in sampling the verses. Two experts in the field of Quranic tafseer validated the traits of Taqwa extracted from each selected verse.
    [Show full text]
  • Rituals of Islamic Spirituality: a Study of Majlis Dhikr Groups
    Rituals of Islamic Spirituality A STUDY OF MAJLIS DHIKR GROUPS IN EAST JAVA Rituals of Islamic Spirituality A STUDY OF MAJLIS DHIKR GROUPS IN EAST JAVA Arif Zamhari THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY E P R E S S E P R E S S Published by ANU E Press The Australian National University Canberra ACT 0200, Australia Email: [email protected] This title is also available online at: http://epress.anu.edu.au/islamic_citation.html National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry Author: Zamhari, Arif. Title: Rituals of Islamic spirituality: a study of Majlis Dhikr groups in East Java / Arif Zamhari. ISBN: 9781921666247 (pbk) 9781921666254 (pdf) Series: Islam in Southeast Asia. Notes: Includes bibliographical references. Subjects: Islam--Rituals. Islam Doctrines. Islamic sects--Indonesia--Jawa Timur. Sufism--Indonesia--Jawa Timur. Dewey Number: 297.359598 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. Cover design and layout by ANU E Press Printed by Griffin Press This edition © 2010 ANU E Press Islam in Southeast Asia Series Theses at The Australian National University are assessed by external examiners and students are expected to take into account the advice of their examiners before they submit to the University Library the final versions of their theses. For this series, this final version of the thesis has been used as the basis for publication, taking into account other changesthat the author may have decided to undertake.
    [Show full text]
  • Islamic Ethics in Australian Muslim Everyday Life: a Shi’Ite Perspective Mohamad Younes
    Islamic Ethics in Australian Muslim Everyday Life: A Shi’ite Perspective Mohamad Younes Master’s Thesis in Sociology Spring Term 2017 Humanities and Communication Arts Western Sydney University 1 17481784 Mohamad Younes 2 17481784 Mohamad Younes ABSTRACT Despite the strong emphasis on ethics within the Islamic tradition, Islamic ethics itself is scarcely represented as a discipline within academic scholarship (Ansari 1989). Even within this area, Islamic ethics have predominantly been studied from Sunni perspectives, with little attention being paid to Shi’ite or other minority understandings. This thesis will, therefore, use qualitative data collection methods of semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus groups, to sociologically study the perceptions, understandings, and applications of Islamic ethics in Australian Shi’ite Muslim everyday living. It will investigate the overarching understanding of Islamic ethics and its specific application in Australian Shi’ite Muslim context. The project's objective, therefore, is twofold: one to strengthen Islamic ethics as an independent discipline; and two to address the scant attention Shi’ite Islamic ethics has received in Islamic ethics scholarship generally. Conceptually, this project will contribute to the understanding of Islamic ethics through a particular analysis of Shi’ite Islamic ethics in an Australian Shi’ite context. This is significant as specific understandings of Islamic ethics in certain contexts help to explain how minority groups such as Shi’ite Muslims develop their own ethical standards to shape social relations in society. In addition, this thesis argues for Shi’ite Islamic ethics to be highly Imamate based; that is, very reliant on the actions and sayings of 12 divinely guided Imams (leaders).
    [Show full text]
  • Parolin V9 1..190
    Citizenship in the Arab World IMISCOE International Migration, Integration and Social Cohesion in Europe The IMISCOE Network of Excellence unites over 500 researchers from European institutes specialising in studies of international migration, integration and social cohesion. The Network is funded by the Sixth Framework Programme of the European Commission on Research, Citizens and Governance in a Knowledge-Based Society. Since its foundation in 2004, IMISCOE has developed an integrated, multidisciplinary and globally comparative research project led by scholars from all branches of the economic and social sciences, the humanities and law. The Network both furthers existing studies and pioneers new research in migration as a discipline. Priority is also given to promoting innovative lines of inquiry key to European policymaking and governance. The IMISCOE-Amsterdam University Press Series was created to make the Network’s findings and results available to researchers, policymakers and practitioners, the media and other interested stakeholders. High-quality manuscripts authored by IMISCOE members and cooperating partners are published in one of four distinct series. IMISCOE Research advances sound empirical and theoretical scholarship addressing themes within IMISCOE’s mandated fields of study. IMISCOE Reports disseminates Network papers and presentations of a time-sensitive nature in book form. IMISCOE Dissertations presents select PhD monographs written by IMISCOE doctoral candidates. IMISCOE Textbooks produces manuals, handbooks and other didactic tools for instructors and students of migration studies. IMISCOE Policy Briefs and more information on the Network can be found at www.imiscoe.org. Citizenship in the Arab World Kin, Religion and Nation-State Gianluca P. Parolin IMISCOE Research This work builds on five years of onsite research into citizenship in the Arab world.
    [Show full text]
  • Sexuality, Islam and Politics in Malaysia: a Study of the Shifting Strategies of Regulation
    SEXUALITY, ISLAM AND POLITICS IN MALAYSIA: A STUDY OF THE SHIFTING STRATEGIES OF REGULATION TAN BENG HUI B. Ec. (Soc. Sciences) (Hons.), University of Sydney, Australia M.A. in Women and Development, Institute of Social Studies, The Netherlands A THESIS SUBMITTED FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEPARTMENT OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN STUDIES NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE 2012 ii Acknowledgements The completion of this dissertation was made possible with the guidance, encouragement and assistance of many people. I would first like to thank all those whom I am unable to name here, most especially those who consented to being interviewed for this research, and those who helped point me to relevant resources and information. I have also benefited from being part of a network of civil society groups that have enriched my understanding of the issues dealt with in this study. Three in particular need mentioning: Sisters in Islam, the Coalition for Sexual and Bodily Rights in Muslim Societies (CSBR), and the Kartini Network for Women’s and Gender Studies in Asia (Kartini Asia Network). I am grateful as well to my colleagues and teachers at the Department of Southeast Asian Studies – most of all my committee comprising Goh Beng Lan, Maznah Mohamad and Irving Chan Johnson – for generously sharing their intellectual insights and helping me sharpen mine. As well, I benefited tremendously from a pool of friends and family who entertained my many questions as I tried to make sense of my research findings. My deepest appreciation goes to Cecilia Ng, Chee Heng Leng, Chin Oy Sim, Diana Wong, Jason Tan, Jeff Tan, Julian C.H.
    [Show full text]
  • Piety Alireza Maktabdar Introduction Perfection of Moral Virtues Was One
    Piety Alireza Maktabdar Introduction Perfection of moral virtues was one of the most important goals of the Prophet’s (s) mission. Human beings can succeed in life only by acquiring moral virtues, and they can manage their lives towards acquiring those virtues and thus perfecting themselves. Living morally or seeking moral virtues requires a comprehensive theoretical and practical plan. One of the best and most fundamental plans in this regard is God-wariness (taqwa), which is like a beacon guiding people through vicissitudes of life towards the ultimate destination—that is, closeness to God. The necessity of such planning is in differences between the lives of humans and animals, bearing in mind that if human beings want to be true to their nature, they must be obedient to their intellect, follow certain rules in life, and refrain from blindly following their own temporary desires. Among different concepts in Islamic ethics, God-wariness has a crucial role in humans’ achievement of their goals, so much so that it has been called the zenith of morality (Tamimi al-Amidi , 271) and without it, faith has been considered useless (). 1 Lexical and Technical Meanings Taqwa is derived from the root w-q-y, meaning “to keep away from evil and harm” (Ibn Manzur 1414 AH, 15:401). The infinitive form ittiqaʿ is from the same root, meaning “avoiding meanness by keeping away from that to which carnal desires call human beings” (ÓarÐÎÐ 1416 AH, 1:449.) Also, it has been said that taqwa means “saving oneself from what is feared to cause any harm.” Taqwa has also been interpreted as khawf (fear), for their proximity in meaning (Raghib al-Isfahani , 1: 881).
    [Show full text]
  • Glossary of Islam - Wikipedia Glossary of Islam from Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia
    8/9/2017 Glossary of Islam - Wikipedia Glossary of Islam From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The following list consists of notable concepts that are derived from both Islamic and Arab tradition, which are expressed as words in the Arabic language. The main purpose of this list is to disambiguate multiple spellings, to make note of spellings no longer in use for these concepts, to define the concept in one or two lines, to make it easy for one to find and pin down specific concepts, and to provide a guide to unique concepts of Islam all in one place. Separating concepts in Islam from concepts specific to Arab culture, or from the language itself, can be difficult. Many Arabic concepts have an Arabic secular meaning as well as an Islamic meaning. One example is the concept of dawah. Arabic, like all languages, contains words whose meanings differ across various contexts. The word Islam is itself a good example. Arabic is written in its own alphabet, with letters, symbols, and orthographic conventions that do not have exact equivalents in the Latin alphabet (see Arabic alphabet). The following list contains transliterations of Arabic terms and phrases; variations exist, e.g. din instead of deen and aqidah instead of aqeedah. Most items in the list also contain their actual Arabic spelling. Contents : Top · 0–9 · A · B · C · D · E · F · G · H · I · J · K · L · M · N · O · P · Q · R · S · T · U · V · W · X · Y · Z A (for female) (أﻣﺔ) for male) ʾAmah) (ﻋﺒﺪ) ʿAbd servant, worshipper, slave.
    [Show full text]
  • Information to Users
    INFORMATION TO USERS This manuscript has been reproduced from the microfilm master. UMI films the text directly from the original or copy submitted. Thus, some thesis and dissertation copies are in typewriter face, while others may be from any type of computer printer. The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or poor quality illustrations and photographs, print bleedthrough, substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely affect reproduction. In the unlikely event that the author did not send UMI a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to be removed, a note will indicate the-deletion. Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, charts) are reproduced by sectioning the original, beginning at the upper left-hand comer and continuing from left to right in equal sections with small overlaps. Photographs included in the original manuscript have been reproduced xerographically in this copy. Higher quality 6” x 9” black and white photographic prints are available for any photographs or illustrations appearing in this copy for an additional charge. Contact UMI directly to order. ProQuest Information and Leaming 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Ml 48106-1346 USA 800-521-0600 UMI* ESCHATOLOGY AS POLITICS, ESCHATOLOGY AS THEORY: MODERN SUNNI ARAB MAHDISM IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Timothy R. Furnish, M.A.R. The Ohio State University 2001 Dissertation Committee: Approved by Professor Jane Hathaway, Adviser Professor Sam Meier viser Professor Joseph Zeidan " Department of Histdry UMI Number: 3011060 UMI UMI Microform 3011060 Copyright 2001 by Bell & Howell Information and Leaming Company.
    [Show full text]
  • Sufi Islamic Discourse in Africa
    religions Article Sufi Islamic Discourse in Africa: From the Greatest Jihad to the Establishment of the African Caliphate Hamdy A. Hassan Department of International Studies, Zayed University, Dubai P.O. Box 19282, UAE; [email protected] Received: 28 September 2020; Accepted: 24 November 2020; Published: 29 November 2020 Abstract: In the nineteenth century, African Muslim societies were marked by the emergence of a reformist Sufi Islamic discourse aimed at changing and moving away from traditional Islamic practices. Although this discourse was influenced, to some extent, by external sources of inspiration, it was linked to the local African context. This study demonstrates that the reformist discourse of major Sufi figures such as Sheikh Amadu Bamba in Senegal and Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio in Nigeria reflects a number of common features of Islamic reform in Africa, yet their reform programs were shaped by the conditions of the local context. This research contribution aims to understand the actual role that the discourse of Sufi spirituality played—and still does—in the religious, economic, and political life of Muslim societies in Africa. This study has shown that despite the prevailing belief that Sufi discourse does not tend to politicize as it tries to maintain a safe distance away from matters of politics and governance in order to achieve its message of moral and spiritual purity, it may turn into violent radicalism as embodied by the jihadist Sufi experience in West Africa. Keywords: Sufism; jihad; Islamic discourse; Muridiyya order; Caliphate; Amadu Bamba; Usman Dan Fodio 1. Introduction Islam has become, as Mazrui(1986) emphasizes, one of the main components of the triple cultural heritage of Africa.
    [Show full text]
  • SALAFISM in AMERICA History, Evolution, Radicalization
    SALAFISM in AMERICA History, Evolution, Radicalization ALEXANDER MELEAGROU-HITCHENS October 2018 Table of Contents Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................... ii Glossary of Terms ..................................................................................................................... iii Executive Summary .................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 4 I. Understanding Salafism ....................................................................................................... 6 I.I What is Salafism? .............................................................................................................. 6 I.II Categorizing Salafism ..................................................................................................... 9 Quietists ................................................................................................................................... 9 Activists .................................................................................................................................. 11 Jihadis .................................................................................................................................... 14 I.III Salafism and Extremism ............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • An Exploration of Moroccan LGBT+ Identity and Migration Olivia Leone Nicholas SIT Graduate Institute - Study Abroad
    SIT Graduate Institute/SIT Study Abroad SIT Digital Collections Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection SIT Study Abroad Spring 2017 Life in Purple: An Exploration of Moroccan LGBT+ Identity and Migration Olivia Leone Nicholas SIT Graduate Institute - Study Abroad Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/isp_collection Part of the African Studies Commons, Gender and Sexuality Commons, Law Commons, and the Other Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons Recommended Citation Nicholas, Olivia Leone, "Life in Purple: An Exploration of Moroccan LGBT+ Identity and Migration" (2017). Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection. 2536. https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/isp_collection/2536 This Unpublished Paper is brought to you for free and open access by the SIT Study Abroad at SIT Digital Collections. It has been accepted for inclusion in Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection by an authorized administrator of SIT Digital Collections. For more information, please contact [email protected]. RUNNING HEAD: LIFE IN PURPLE “I’m not just one color or two colors. I am different types of shades and colors” Life in Purple: An Exploration of Moroccan LGBT+ Identity and Migration Olivia Leone Nicholas Whitman College SIT: Migration and Transnational Identity Spring 2017 CENTER FOR CROSS CULTURAL LEARNING, RABAT, MOROCCO SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR MOM, SIT ABROAD, SPRING 2017 LIFE IN PURPLE 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ......................................................................................................................3
    [Show full text]
  • Following Sayyida Zaynab: Twelver Shi'ism in Contemporary Syria
    Following Sayyida Zaynab: Twelver Shi‘ism in Contemporary Syria by Edith Andrea Elke Szanto Ali-Dib A thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Centre for the Study of Religion University of Toronto © Copyright by Edith Szanto, 2012 Following Sayyida Zaynab: Twelver Shi‘ism in Contemporary Syria Edith Szanto Ali-Dib Doctor of Philosophy Centre for the Study of Religion University of Toronto 2012 Abstract Outsiders, such as Lebanese and Syrian Shi‘is often refer to Twelver Shi‘is in the Syrian shrine-town as ‘traditional,’ and even ‘backward.’ They are not the only ones. Both Saddam Hussein and Ayatollah ‘Ali Khamenei have called the bloody flagellation practices, which have only increased in popularity in Sayyida Zaynab over the past few decades, ‘backward’ and ‘irrational.’ Why do these outsiders condemn these Twelver Shi‘is and their Muharram rituals? Why are ‘traditional’ practices popular in the Syrian shrine-town of Sayyida Zaynab? What does ‘tradition’ mean in this context? This dissertation begins with the last question regarding the notion of ‘tradition’ and examines seminary pedagogy, weekly women’s ritual mourning gatherings, annual Muharram practices, and non-institutionalized spiritual healing. Two theoretical paradigms frame the ethnography. The first is Talal Asad’s (1986) notion that an anthropology of Islam should approach Islam as a discursive tradition and second, various iterations of the Karbala Paradigm (Fischer 1981). The concepts overlap, yet they also represent distinct approaches to the notion of ‘tradition.’ The overarching argument in this dissertation is that ‘tradition’ for Twelver Shi‘is in Sayyida Zaynab is not only a rhetorical trope but also an intimate, inter-subjective practice, which ties pious Shi‘i to the members of the Family of the Prophet.
    [Show full text]